Ugandan Startup Wins FAO Award for Innovative Tech That Extends Fruit Shelf Life by 30 Days

Freza Nanotech Limited, an innovative Ugandan startup, has clinched the 2024 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Innovation Award for its innovative nanotechnology solution that combats postharvest fruit losses. The award was presented at FAO's headquarters in Rome during the 176th Session of the FAO Council.

Freza Nanotech’s organic formulation targets phospholipase D, an enzyme responsible for accelerating fruit ripening. By inhibiting its activity, the technology extends the shelf life of fruits by up to 30 days. This eco-friendly solution significantly curtails food waste, addressing a critical bottleneck in the global food supply chain. The impact extends to both farmers and consumers, enhancing food security while reducing the environmental toll of spoilage-related emissions.

FAO Director-General QU Dongyu lauded the innovation as a example of sustainability, highlighting how it aligns with the organization's Four Betters framework: better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life. He highlighted that Freza Nanotech showcases how agrifood systems can enhance productivity and sustainability at the same time, contributing to better nutrition and improved livelihoods in Uganda and around the world.

The startup’s innovation has been transformative for smallholder farmers in Uganda, empowering them to reduce losses, stabilize fruit prices, and enhance their earnings. Consumers, too, reap the benefits, with fresher produce becoming more accessible at affordable prices. Moreover, the reduced food waste contributes to environmental conservation.

Mugisha Gift Arnold, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Freza Nanotech, expressed deep gratitude for the global recognition. He highlighted that the award reflects their dedication to addressing food security and sustainability challenges through innovative technology. He emphasized that their solution is making a tangible difference by enhancing food availability, fostering economic growth, and having a positive impact on everyday lives.

The FAO Innovation Award forms part of the FAO Awards Programme, which celebrates initiatives that reshape agrifood systems and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).